Local performance artist and mask-maker Pash Galbavy has a novel way of confronting the causes and effects of climate change — by making a facet of the problem real in the form of a mask.

The longer story is that she has been doing this for some time with other masks, working out inner issues through the performative use of her artwork.

“How is it that we can know about major problems in the world and do little or nothing, even when we know that we’re in some ways contributing to the problems? I made a mask of Inertia and a mask of Privilege. My inner archetype of Privilege cares about the world, but she’s so comfortable and wrapped up in her doings and busyness, that she often doesn’t have time to think about much else.

“She’s also very fearful,” Galbavy continued. “So when she’s confronted with disturbing external realities, like weather catastrophes in other parts of the country or the poor and homeless, she tends to turn away because she doesn’t know what to do, and she’s afraid. Plus, she has the luxury of being able to turn away without feeling the effects of what she doesn’t know how to confront.”

According to Galbavy, the contradictions inherent in recognizing major world problems — recognizing that there is a problem and doing nothing about it — allowed her to recognize and name the source of her inability to move toward better outcomes for herself and the world.

The result of this inner search led to the development of “Inside Out Climate Care,” a mask-making workshop and performance art presentation. Galbavy’s first public mask presentation, it is scheduled as one of Inspiration of Sedona’s Climate Care Awareness events offered in conjunction with the upcoming United Nations Paris Climate Talks, Nov. 28 through Dec. 12.

“I’m incredibly concerned about the state of people and the planet right now,” Galbavy said. “The changes in our climate are undeniable, even to those who don’t believe they are human caused. Everyone is being affected. And currently the future looks pretty dire unless we collectively start making some serious changes.

To read the full story, see the Wednesday, Nov. 18, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.